China to Support Development of Sri Lanka as a Maritime Hub in Indian Ocean

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China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that his country will align its maritime silk road project with Sri Lanka's development plans to enable the island nation to become a shipping hub in the Indian Ocean.

It is a sign of Sri Lanka's new government's increasing receptiveness to Chinese projects having previously suspended some to investigate corruption and possible environmental hazards.

Wang said however that China's relations with Sri Lanka will not target any other nation.

Minister Mangala Samaraweera said that Sri Lanka deeply values the long standing friendship and cooperation with China, dating back from ancient times.

The two ministers held discussions regarding the Belt and Road initiative put forward by China.

Sri Lanka reiterated its participation in this initiative, as it is in line with the Government’s initiatives to make Sri Lanka the hub of the Indian Ocean trade, a position it occupied in the ancient past.